Skip to content
Skip to content

Milling in Action- National Mills Weekend

Come and see Dunster's rare double overshot watermill in action with a day of milling, demos, talks and more to celebrate National Mills Weekend.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

There has been a working mill on this site in Dunster since at least the Domesday Book. The current mill dates from about 1780 and still mills flour to this day.

Join us on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May from 11am to 3pm to see the mill in action. Explore the renovated bin floor (the top floor of the mill) and learn about recent conservation efforts, including the replacement of the mill's axle and one of its waterwheels. Chat to our millers and learn about how it works with added walk and talk tours. You can even have a go at making your own flour using a quern!

Walk and Talk Tours will run at 11.15am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Enjoy samples of tasty treats made from our own spelt flour available to purchase in the Mill Shop.

For little explorers, we will also be running our free 'Otter Spotter' trail across the weekend. Can you spot the otters hiding around the watermill?

Normal admission applies.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children are very welcome at this event.

Meeting point

Please park in the Dunster Castle visitor car park (TA24 6NY) and then proceed to Dunster Watermill through the River Gardens.

What to bring and wear

Terrain is steep and uneven in places. Please wear suitable footwear as paths can be muddy.

Accessibility

Terrain around the site is steep and uneven in places. Trampers are available to hire for the morning or afternoon, pre-booking recommended. There is wheelchair and pushchair access to the ground floor of the watermill and outside to the wheels. There is no wheeled access to the upper floors or viewing platform. Please note that due to the historic nature of the mill, floors may be uneven.

Contact info

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Upcoming events

Festival of Blossom 

Celebrate blossom with us this spring. Discover subtle touches of blossom across Dunster Castle- wander through the gardens as they begin to bloom and enjoy the gentle arrival of spring throughout the castle.

Event summary

on
22 Apr to 20 May 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 28 other dates or times

Dunster Castle Experience Days - A Day with the Head Gardener 

An exclusive chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener, including a bespoke tour, and a two-course lunch.

Event summary

on
22 Apr 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30

Attic Tours (Weekdays) 

Venture up into the attics with a knowledgeable guide for a rare glimpse behind the scenes.

Event summary

on
22 Apr to 2 Sep 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 155 other dates or times

Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekdays) 

Where meals were made, stories were shared and servants kept the castle running. Head to the once state-of-the-art Victorian Kitchen with one of our knowledgeable tour guides and discover the heart of Victorian life at Dunster Castle.

Event summary

on
23 Apr to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 223 other dates or times